Teatro Zinzanni has once again created an evening of great food, great talent and a great night of performances. The interactive dining experience presents the current theme of 'Be Italian!' and does so with such flair that you'll be kissing your fingertips with a cry of 'Mamma Mia!'

The storyline is not too difficult, but fun none-the-less. The time is the 1980s and the family of a late restaurant owner has gathered on the anniversary of the proprietor's death. A set of unexpected guests arrives from the Old Country to uphold an arranged marriage that was bargained for long ago. The couple in question is not equally matched. Then the evening goes really awry.

The five-course meal consists of Appetizer, Soup, Salad, Entrées and, of course, Dessert, and is as much as part of the evening's presentation as the show itself. Guests are greeted at their table by Buricotta cheese and mint pesto crostino garnished with marinated artichoke hearts, pine nuts and currants. Order one of the specialty cocktails (carefully chosen to complement the evening's menu), or choose the wine flight to sample a different glass of wine that will perfectly complement each course. The soup is a creamy Italian white bean with a delicious drizzling of Alba white truffle oil, and the salad is a traditional Caprese salad with a typical Teatro twist.

The main course is a choice of one-of-three offerings. A sirloin steak with a red wine demi-glace is served cooked to perfection, with a side of roasted rosemary fingerling potatoes. If you'd rather, you may choose the King Salmon served with a light mustard-wine and fresh tarragon sauce. The fish is served with wild mushroom risotto and brussels sprouts. If you palate leans to the vegetarian, there is a house-made lasagna layered with seasonal grilled vegetables; also available as a vegan option. Dessert is a tiramisu garnished with white and dark chocolate. For the hearty (or particular) diner, optional entrées are available (for a slight fee) including a Wagyu Kobe Rib Eye Steak, Surf-N-Turf option, a 6-7 ounce Atlantic lobster tail or a King Salmon Caesar salad. No matter which choice, it is bound to be enjoyed.

The main attraction, under the mirror-topped Moulin Rouge Spiegeltent, is what Teatro Zinzanni is all about. With rotating shows (that exchange out with its sister-city San Francisco) the talent is undeniable and unbeatable. After 24 years of being with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ariana Lallone has been gracefully moving on the Teatro stages. Christine Deaver is the larger-than-life 'Mama' who has no trouble putting it all out there. The trapeze duet of Die Maiers (a real life husband and wife team) tie themselves into human knots as they balance on a bar over the stage. For a bit of humor the veteran clown Joe De Paul returns to the stage with his on-the-beat comical timing.

Vita Radionova is another veteran of the Spiegeltent showing the audience her well-trained body that rotates a series of hula-hoops around any limb extended from her torso. Mickael Bajaret expresses his own comic presence and extreme talent with juggling at top-notch speed. It is not until the end of the evening that the 'Italian Chef' (who happens to be Chinese) sheds his Chef whites to take to the air and deliver an aerial ballet that is absolutely breathtaking and majestic to watch. It is the singer Jen Ayers that absolutely rocks the house (or tent) down about us. Obviously the love child of Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde, Ms. Ayers takes hold of the '80s rock-n-roll and makes it her own.

Whether it is the food, the entertainment, or just for the experience, Teatro Zinzanni is sure to please. Come in early to browse through the costume accessories, have a cocktail and take in the ambiance of the majestic Spiegeltent. Then relax and enjoy dinner and a show.

Tickets are $86-$111 per person. For tickets and more information, visit http://zinzanni.com/seattle/ or call or visit the Box Office at 206-802-0015 or in person at the Teatro ZinZanni Spiegeltent, 222 Mercer St., just across from the Cornish (formerly Intiman) Playhouse at Seattle Center.

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